For current information about road and trail conditions, people are urged to call the Olympic National Park Visitor Center at 360-565-3130.
trail basically follows the river, terminating at the chalet, a two-story log structure built in 1930
The first couple of miles is pure rainforest off of the Quinalt river flood plain. Large trees abound with a forest floor littered by small broadleaf plants, ferns, mosses and lichen. After a couple miles you cross river then pretty much follow the river floor from 700 feet elevation to about 2100 feet at Enchanted Valley.
The trail begins on an old logging road and climbs through forest. A picnic table signals the end of the road and, after a short descent, a crossing of the Quinault River on Pony Bridge at three miles.
At seven miles a side-trail descends to O'Neil Camp, which is often crowded. From here, hardy folk can ford the Quinault and explore the abandoned Mount Olson Trail. Good campsites also can be found at Noname Creek (8.5 miles) and Pyrites Creek (10 miles).
At 10-1/2 miles, you'll leave the forest and enter the valley. At 12 miles, the Quinault is crossed on a suspension bridge. The trail wanders through meadows to the Enchanted Valley Chalet, near the western end of the meadow.
From the chalet, the trail climbs to 4,500-foot Anderson Pass, a 2,500-foot ascent in five miles. At the pass, the route becomes the West Fork Dosewallips Trail.
spectacular payoff: a vast glacial cirque that's surrounded by sheer, 4,000-foot mountain walls and is home to black-tailed deer, black bear, and Roosevelt elk.
Two miles beyond the chalet to see one of the biggest western hemlocks on the planet: nine feet in diameter.
Bear canisters are recommended for this entire trail and are available at the South Shore Quinault Ranger Station.
Obtain permits at South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station located next to Lake Quinault Lodge. No reservations necessary.